Uganda's built heritage now in a book, maps, and mobile app

 

 

But in Uganda, many people pass by historical buildings every day without the slightest clue of their importance, according to the Executive Director Cross-Cultural Foundation of Uganda Emily Drani.

 

"That's why it's very easy for someone to say this is an old building why shouldn't we just demolish it and put up a high rise modern glass building because we want to be in sync with modernity and look sophisticated," Drani explained.

 

She, however, said that historical buildings are often cared for because they reflect the intellect, the knowledge, the skills of society gone past, and that is something that must be respected.

 

On Monday, on the occasion to celebrate Africa World Heritage Day, the European Union Ambassador and Head of Delegation in Uganda, Attilio Pacifici launched a photographic book and annotated maps of historical buildings in Uganda.

 

It was in addition to a mobile phone application, The photographic book, titled; Beyond the Reeds and Bricks: Historical Sites and Buildings in Kampala, Jinja, and Entebbe" comes in glossy format with exclusive pictures.

 The annotated maps detail the historical buildings and sites for each of the three cities while the mobile app, "Uganda's Built Heritage" digitalizes the content for easy access for every smartphone user and is available on both Android and iPhone.

 

The content features at least 60 buildings, representing Uganda's architectural history, covering the pre-colonial era and post-independence Uganda.

 

Historical buildings go 50 years or more and have cultural and historical significance.

 

But not many Ugandans appreciate the importance of historical buildings in preserving national heritage, according to Drani.

 

She said many do not even know of the existence of historical buildings in their communities.                 

 

"when we are busy building today we would also like the future generations to respect what has been done and built upon by us because we did not find blank space, we also constructed where there was something," Drani explained

 

She added that "As global citizens if we do not pay attention and protect our past we are likely to be swept away and not given as much respect as we would like."

 

From research conducted by CCFU with support from the European Union, every time there was an explanation on built heritage, there would be a renewed appreciation of historical buildings whether it was from the people on the streets or policymakers.

 

"When people learn that indeed a building is historically important, immediately there is a change in attitude. So it's a matter of education and publicity to make sure Ugandans realise historical buildings are a resource that they can use for tourism earnings but also appreciate that is part of our identity," Drani says.

 

Drani says before you know something, you do not really value it until you have been educated about it. 

 

The book and maps on Uganda's historical buildings that can also be accessed online free of charge and the mobile phone application is to educate Ugandans on their built heritage to promote preservation.